Mainpower Secures 20-Year Electricity License in Enugu

Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited (MEDL) has secured a 20-year operating license from the Enugu Electricity Regulatory Commission (EERC) to provide electricity distribution services across Enugu State.

The license was issued in Enugu by Mr. Chijioke Okonkwo, Chief Executive Officer of EERC, who described Mainpower as the first Sub-Distribution Company (SubCo) to be granted an operating license in the state.

“This achievement is a milestone for the Enugu electricity sector and a testament to the visionary leadership of Governor Peter Mbah, who championed the Enugu State Electricity Policy 2023 and facilitated the enactment of the Enugu State Electricity Law, 2023,” Mr. Okonkwo said.

He highlighted that Enugu State’s electricity market is structured to encourage multiple participants across the value chain, including fuel suppliers, generation companies, distribution operators, retail electricity providers, and metering services.

“The Enugu State electricity market operates on a willing buyer – willing seller model, supported by commercially viable agreements such as bilateral contracts and power purchase agreements. This framework ensures efficiency, accountability, and profitability while delivering reliable electricity services to consumers,” Okonkwo explained.

He further noted that as the dominant player in Enugu State’s electricity market, Mainpower has a critical role in developing the market model, fostering competition, and supporting the integration of other market participants.

“Mainpower is expected to grow its operations in alignment with the state’s electricity policy, while evolving to accommodate other players and boost competition across service areas,” Okonkwo added.

Receiving the license, Dr. Ernest Mupwaya, Managing Director of Mainpower, expressed gratitude to the EERC and Governor Mbah for the confidence placed in the company. He described the licensing as a demonstration of Enugu State’s commitment to establishing a responsive, efficient, and sustainable electricity market under the new framework established by the Electricity Act.

Dr. Mupwaya emphasized that the success of any electricity market is closely linked to the performance of distribution companies. “Transformational efforts within distribution companies must be supported by all stakeholders. Regulators must provide clear and predictable frameworks; governments must sustain sector reforms; investors must fund infrastructure development; and customers must support the system through responsible consumption and timely payment for services,” he said.

He outlined Mainpower’s strategic focus for the next two decades, which includes enhancing network reliability, accelerating metering programs to improve transparency, strengthening revenue assurance, embracing digital transformation, and improving operational efficiency.

Dr. Mupwaya further assured EERC that the company would place a strong emphasis on customer engagement, satisfaction, and feedback, noting that electricity distribution is not only a technical service but also a customer-centric business.

“With this license, Mainpower Electricity Distribution Limited is committed to driving the growth of Enugu State’s electricity market while delivering reliable, sustainable, and affordable power to residents,” he concluded.